Get Started

Confirmed transfer students starting in Fall 2018 can now access the New Student Checklist beginning on April 11, 2018. Here is an example of some of the items that can be found on the personalized checklist:

Complete the Tell Us About Yourself Survey

This 15-minute survey will provide your advisor with the information to help you register for classes for the upcoming semester.

Select Your On-Campus Orientation date

You can confirm your Orientation date after you complete the Tell Us About Yourself survey. The on-campus Orientation programs will occur on various dates in July & August 2018.

Complete Assigned Placement Tests

Placement tests must be completed one week prior to your Orientation date. Your personalized New Student Checklist will list your assigned placement tests. To learn more about what course placement tests you may required to complete please click here.

Complete Online Orientation

Online Orientation must be complete prior to attending your on-campus orientation. The Online Orientation will be available on April 11.

Parent and Guest Orientation is a great way for families and supporters to learn how to better support their students during this time of transition. Encourage your parents and/or supporters to sign up for Parent and Guest Orientation.

Minnesota law requires all University of Minnesota students to report certain immunizations. Failure to complete this before the 6th week of the semester may result in a registration hold on your account. Information about the immunizations required and how to report your immunizations is available from the Boynton Health website, www.bhs.umn.edu/immunization-requirements.htm.

You are required to have health insurance.

All students who are 1) admitted to a degree program and 2) registered for six or more credits per semester that count toward the automatic assessment of the Student Services Fee are required by the University of Minnesota to have health insurance. Please visit www.shb.umn.edu/waiver.htm for more information. Eligible students who do not provide verifiable insurance information per established guidelines will be automatically enrolled in and billed for the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan. To learn more about this policy and the University plan, visit www.shb.umn.edu or contact the Office of Student Health Benefits at umshbo@umn.edu or 612-624-0627.

Attention International Students

The University of Minnesota requires all international students and their dependents to enroll in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan unless they are eligible for a waiver. To be eligible for a waiver as an International Student, you must be covered by a United States-based employer-sponsored group health plan or the University-sponsored Graduate Assistant Health Plan. To learn more about this policy and the University plan, visit www.shb.umn.edu or contact the Office of Student Health Benefits at umshbo@umn.edu or 612-624-0627.

The Orientation & Transition Experiences office works closely with International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) to provide accurate information for your transition to the University of Minnesota. As you plan for your arrival, please visit the ISSS website to learn about the specific requirements for new international students.

You can select your Transfer Orientation date by completing your New Student Checklist. For Spring 2018 students, the New Student Checklist will be available beginning November 1. It's important to remember that not all colleges come to Orientation each day and you must sign up to attend Transfer Orientation.

Once on campus, you will complete your Immigration Check-in as part of your Transfer Orientation. You will not be allowed to register for courses until your Immigration Check-in is complete.

University Veterans Servcies offers benefits workshops for student veterans, service-members and dependents who plan on using military education benefits. During this workshop you will learn about the certification process, how your benefits affect your financial aid, as well as other veteran/military benefits and resources on campus. You will also have the opportunity to complete any needed paperwork for your benefits.

Fall 2017 sessions will be held in Bruininks Hall Room 119 at the following times and dates. Students are not required attend this session to use military education benefits and can contact University Veterans Services with any questions.

Friday, June 30, 11am-12pmWednesday, July 19, 2-3pmThursday, August 17, 2-3pmMonday, August 21, 2-3pmFriday, September 1, 9-10am

Transfer Orientation Steps

Online Orientation is required of all new transfer students, and is the first step in completing your orientation requirements (there is also an on-campus orientation program that you will need to attend). The online program contains information specific to your college of enrollment as well as University-wide resources, services, and policies.

After successful completion of the Online Orientation program, you will then attend the required on-campus Orientation program. The available program dates for your college will appear in the Transfer Orientation registration system. On your scheduled Orientation day, check in on the ground floor of Coffman Union (located on the East Bank of the Minneapolis campus) between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.

The program will include visiting with important University departments during a Resource Fair, attending a college meeting, meeting with an academic advisor, and registering for classes.

Following advising and registration, you are encouraged to make the most of your day on campus by taking a campus tour, finding your classrooms, visiting with campus departments, or talking to Transfer Student Leaders about their first year at the U of M.

Your on-campus Orientation is a greater introduction to the University, as well as your college or academic program. At Orientation you will have the opportunity to learn more about your college and academic program, meet with academic advising staff, register for classes, tour the campus, and learn more about campus resources and student services.

On-Campus Orientation Schedule

Park in the East River Road Garage and Check-In at Coffman Memorial Union

Please plan to be on campus until 4:00 p.m. You are encouraged to make the most of your orientation day by exploring campus, asking questions, and learning more about campus resources and services. Please be sure to ask the Transfer Student Leaders about any of your questions and concerns. We are happy to assist and want to help you have a successful transition into the University!

Preparing for your arrival

Parent Orientation

Parents and families have the opportunity to attend an orientation program, separate from the student, that shows how to support your student during this time of transition. Select the Parents & Families link at the top of this page to learn more.